Youths have potential –Speaker

Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini says there is need to reflect on actualization of the potential that youths have in developing nations like Zambia.

Dr. Matibini says youths are key to economic and social progress in most developing nations.

The Speaker of was speaking when he officiated at the 2015 Commonwealth Day in Lusaka on Monday.

Dr. Matibini says a young commonwealth recognizes the capacity, contribution and potential of young people especially this year when the world will define a new global development framework.

He has expressed happiness that youths drawn from various parts of the country have convened in Lusaka with a view of creating a forum through which youths can meaningfully contribute towards fostering democracy and development of the country.

Dr. Matibini who is also President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Zambia Branch is optimistic that youths will at the end of the Youth Open Forum formulate resolutions that will enable the establishment of a National Youth Parliament.

He has since urged youths to seize the opportunity to air their views and ensure that they contribute towards enhancing their participation in democracy.

And in her massage to the Commonwealth members, Queen Elizabeth who is Head of the Commonwealth says the commonwealth can only flourish if its ideas and ideals continue to be young and fresh and relevant to all generations.

The Queen says the Commonwealth Day provides members with an opportunity to recommit themselves to upholding the values of the Commonwealth Charter.

She says this in a massage delivered by Kasenengwa MMD M.P Victoria Kalima.